and many more benefits!

Find us on Facebook

GMAT Club Timer Informer

Hi GMATClubber!

Thank you for using the timer!
We noticed you are actually not timing your practice. Click the START button first next time you use the timer.
There are many benefits to timing your practice, including:

Show Tags

14 Nov 2012, 16:57

Just beginning my GMAT journey here and outlining my plan of attack to get prepared. I had a question regarding preparation: Do most people prepare on their own with book sets and sample tests OR do you rely on class preparation (Manhattan, Veritas, etc.) OR do most people combine both preparation methods?

My initial thoughts were to pick up the Manhattan GMAT set V5 and the OG guide to start with and the possibly additional quant / verbal focused books if needed. I was contemplating tacking on a a Manhattan course as well to ensure I was fully prepared. I have set aside funds from work to not be surprised about the price tag on the classes.

Show Tags

14 Nov 2012, 17:23

doc2575 wrote:

Just beginning my GMAT journey here and outlining my plan of attack to get prepared. I had a question regarding preparation: Do most people prepare on their own with book sets and sample tests OR do you rely on class preparation (Manhattan, Veritas, etc.) OR do most people combine both preparation methods?

My initial thoughts were to pick up the Manhattan GMAT set V5 and the OG guide to start with and the possibly additional quant / verbal focused books if needed. I was contemplating tacking on a a Manhattan course as well to ensure I was fully prepared. I have set aside funds from work to not be surprised about the price tag on the classes.

Am I going overboard on the prep? Would love thoughts / feedback.

Thanks!

Doc

First, I see this is your first post - Welcome to the forum!

For your question..it varies.

From what I've seen - most people like to start of with a set of books and see where they stand. For some, that is sufficient. Others feel better about starting with a course and seeing where that leaves them. Then there are people like me that tried MGMAT + OG and didn't get to where I want (for various reasons..they're still great guides ), so I'm now enrolled in a course.

Different strokes for different folks. A lot of it depends on where you want to start vs. where you want to be, and the resources you're willing to use to get there. there are several free CAT exams out there, so you can see where you stand, and apply accordingly (Look at GMATprep, MGMAT, Veritas Prep, etc - pick one and see).
_________________

Show Tags

First, I would take a practice test. See where you score ... Is that within your target range? Close to it (50 points)? Far away from it?

If you think you can improve your score to get what you want on your own, then familiarize yourself with the types of questions you need to improve on and practice, practice, practice.

If you think you'd benefit from either a more structured learning environment or want to improve your score by over 100 points, taking a class might be better for you. The class will not only provide you with an overview of the various question types as well a good assessment of where you are now, but it will also teach you how to take the exam/ how to approach certain problem types.

Good luck! And do use the resources on GmatClub as you prepare -- there are a variety of practice exams here as well as many many people who are more than happy to help answer your questions!!